Hybrid value rank: 6
Time to recoup premium in fuel savings alone: 6.2 years
Typical cost: $26,588
Compared to: Mariner
Hybrid cost premium: $2,842 (Based on Edmunds.com "True Market Value" and $3,000 hybrid tax credit.)
Overall mpg vs. non-hybrid: 31.4 vs. 24
Annual fuel savings: $458 (148 gallons)
Even though the two vehicles are virtually identical, the Mariner Hybrid will take longer to pay for itself compared to a non-hybrid Mariner because buyers are paying closer to full sticker price for the Mariner Hybrid than for the Escape Hybrid. Sometimes, it seems, "badge engineering" does have an impact.
AOL Autos: Vehicle details
